AS a band name, ‘New England’ is, says drummer and lead vocalist Phil Middleton, a misnomer for four musicians who are ‘as old as the hills’ and play American-influenced music.
 

The Kendal/Keswick-based quartet came together in October 2012 from different bands.
 

George Moulder (lead vocals, guitars, harmonica) and Nick Cripps (bass, vocals) joined forces in 1987 to form blues/rock band ‘Rocket 87’.
 

This later became ‘Blues Connection’ - a popular band on the Cumbrian and North East circuit for years.
 

The last drummer to join Blues Connection was Phil, who had just arrived in Cumbria after playing with legendary singer-guitarist Joe Brown for five years.
 

Phil and Nick also worked together in ‘The Nightriders’ – a 60s and 70s tribute band who recently decided to call it a day after 21 years.
 

With Richard Greenough (Lead Guitar and Vocals) completing the lineup, New England have already played a series of storming gigs.
 

Of their American rock/blues/country repertoire, Phil said: “We’ve all wanted to play this kind of music all our lives.
 

“We’re big on harmonies so we have a strong vocal sound, we’re very tight and we love what we’re playing.”
 

The band have also penned several original songs and are hoping to release an album later this year.
 

They have upcoming shows at Keswick’s Masonic Hall on March 1 and Kendal’s Bootleggers on March 15.